Edwards Dapper in Jail Mug Shot

With his hair neatly groomed, a smart shirt and tie and a confident smile, John Edwards made sure that when history is written, at least it will give him a good mug shot.

The man who could have been president was photographed after being indicted by a grand jury on counts including conspiracy, issuing false statements and violating campaign contribution laws.

The mug shot was obtained by CNN following a request under the Freedom of Information Act.

Edwards, who was John Kerry’s vice-presidential choice in 2004 and a front-runner during the early stages of the 2008 Democratic race, has pleaded not guilty to the charges that center around whether money he gave Rielle Hunter, his mistress and the mother of his child, should be considered campaign donations.